In the world of Etheria, a scale is not merely a remnant of a creature—it is a foundation of reality itself. These vast, nearly indestructible structures are the shattered fragments of Irion, a magical entity whose collision with the world during The Collapse fractured both the planet and the being into a thousand immense, interlocking pieces. These fragments—called scales—now tower over the landscape, each one infused with Irion’s lingering resonance magic. Their presence reshaped existence: altering terrain, warping weather, and anchoring civilization in a world reborn through chaos. The land healed around them, growing anew in the shadow of their arcane permanence.
In the wake of the Collapse, scattered survivors quickly realized that areas near scales were safer. These scale sanctuaries emitted calming energy that repelled chaotic creatures and destructive magic. Early settlements were built around these zones, eventually growing into cities and nations.
The physical size of the scales made them ideal natural fortifications. Cities like the City of Or were constructed beneath or beside them, using the scale's surface as walls, roofs, or bridges. Architecture melded with nature and magic, birthing a new style of scale-bound civilization.
Over time, scholars and artisans learned to channel the latent magic of scales through conduits—devices or rituals designed to extract energy without harming the scale. This practice led to a form of scale-tech, a magical-industrial revolution that powers lighting, transportation, communication, and even warfare in some regions.
However, the creation of new scale cavities is strictly forbidden. Any attempt to bore into the surface of a scale risks unleashing wild, unstable magic, or worse—awakening some forgotten resonance deep within.
To many, the scales are sacred.
While most of Etheria respects the power and danger of scales, not all do.
Groups like the Ragged Goons actively seek out hidden or unprotected scales, attempting to exploit them for wealth, power, or chaos. These excavations often end in disaster—unleashing bursts of magical radiation, spawning monstrous entities, or warping the land around them.
There are five known surface-penetrating scales, each distinct in form and function:
The answers remain unclear. The scales are not just remnants—they are Etheria's bones, its memory, and perhaps its future.
Note: All known scales are cataloged the [Catalog].